Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 01 | New York | 20130506 | Born in New York at the beginning of the 20th century, Copland would call the city home for most of his life. Donald Macleod explores the impact this had on his musical development, and the opportunities it afforded him - from beginning his studies as a composer during the birth of jazz, to his role in the 1939 New York World Fair. Donald Macleod looks at Copland's works associated with New York city. | |
| 2013 | 02 | Paris | 20130507 | Copland left New York in 1921 to study in Paris with Nadia Boulanger. He lived in the Montparnasse area of the city, among a large number of expatriate American writers, including Hemingway, and also travelled more widely in Europe, attending concerts and meeting composers. Donald Macleod explores Copland's experience of Paris, the outlook it gave him, and the pieces he worked on there. Donald Macleod looks at the works Copland wrote as a student in Paris in the early 1920s. | |
| 2013 | 03 | South America | 20130508 | Donald Macleod continues his journey through the landscapes and locations of Copland's life and work, today looking at South America. Copland travelled to Mexico in 1932, and it would be the first of many visits south of the border. He loved the vibrancy, colour, people and food of Mexico, assimilating the sounds and rhythms into his own music, and taking the same inspiration from Cuban and Brazilian musics. Donald Macleod looks at Copland's works based on the rhythms and melodies of Latin America | |
| 2013 | 04 | Americana | 20130509 | Donald Macleod looks at the evocation of place in Copland's music. | |
| 2013 | 05 LAST | West | 20130510 | Donald Macleod takes a journey west through Copland's music. | |
| 2018 | 01 | The Kaplans And The Roaring Twenties | 20180430 | Aaron Copland is the composer who, more than any other, defined the sound of American classical music. Copland's life spanned every decade of the 20th Century, and this week Donald Macleod explores the composer's life and music against the background of the events of that Century. Today, Donald throws the spotlight on Copland's early years in New York where he was taught to play the piano by his elder sister Laurine, and his defining experiences and musical studies with Nadia Boulanger in Paris during the roaring 1920s. Rodeo: Hoe Down Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra JoAnn Falletta (conductor) Quiet City New York Philharmonic Leonard Bernstein (conductor) Four Motets Mormon Tabernacle Choir Michael Tilson Thomas (cond) Organ Symphony Wayne Marshall (organ) Dallas Symphony Orchestra Andrew Litton (conductor) Producer: Sam Phillips. Donald Macleod explores Copland's background and his experiences in Paris in the 1920s. | |
| 2018 | 02 | The American Depression | 20180501 | Aaron Copland is the composer who, more than any other, defined the sound of American classical music. Copland's life spanned every decade of the 20th Century, and this week Donald Macleod explores the composer's life and music against the background of the events of that Century. In this episode, Copland returns to his home town of New York, where he made his name during the early 1930s. It was there he established his own individual style and a truly American sound in music, as the US struggled through the depression. Music for Theater: Dance Orchestra of St Lukes Dennis Russell Davies (conductor) Piano Variations Emanuel Ax (piano) El Salon Mexico BBC Philharmonic John Wilson (conductor) Billy the Kid New York Philharmonic Leonard Bernstein (conductor) John Henry London Symphony Orchestra Aaron Copland (conductor) Producer: Sam Phillips. Donald Macleod explores Copland's experiences in 1930s New York during the US depression. | |
| 2018 | 03 | World War Ii | 20180502 | Aaron Copland is the composer who, more than any other, defined the sound of American classical music. Copland's life spanned every decade of the 20th Century, and this week Donald Macleod explores the composer's life and music against the background of the events of that Century. Today, Donald tells us about Copland's work in Hollywood, the loss of his parents and his involvement in US propaganda during the Second World War. Fanfare for the Common Man Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra Zubin Mehta (conductor) Music for Movies Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra Leonard Slatkin (conductor) Letter from Home London Symphony Orchestra Aaron Copland (conductor) Appalachian Spring Aurora Orchestra Nicholas Collon (conductor) Producer: Sam Phillips. Donald Macleod examines Copland's activities during the 1940s in wartime America. | |
| 2018 | 04 | A Witchhunt | 20180503 | Aaron Copland is the composer who, more than any other, defined the sound of American classical music. Copland's life spanned every decade of the 20th Century, and this week Donald Macleod explores the composer's life and music against the background of the events of that Century. In today's episode, Donald recounts the struggles that Copland endured through the 1950s as he found himself persecuted for alleged communist activities by Senator Joseph McCarthy. Clarinet Concerto Benny Goodman (clarinet) Columbia Symphony Orchestra Aaron Copland (conductor) The Tender Land - The Promise of Living Cincinnati Pops Orchestra Erich Kunzel (conductor) Lincoln Portrait Gregory Peck (narrator) Los Angeles Philharmonic Zubin Mehta (conductor) Canticle of Freedom Seattle Symphony Seattle Symphony Chorale Gerard Schwarz (conductor) Producer: Sam Phillips. Donald Macleod explores Copland life and work during the 1950s. | |
| 2018 | 05 LAST | Retirement From Composition | 20180504 | Aaron Copland is the composer who, more than any other, defined the sound of American classical music. Copland's life spanned every decade of the 20th Century, and this week Donald Macleod explores the composer's life and music against the background of the events of that Century. In the final programme of the week, Donald explores Copland's more radical works of the 1960s, his increased interest in conducting which eventually led to a retirement from composition, and his final years which saw him showered with awards from around the world. Music for a Great City: IV. Towards the Bridge London Symphony Orchestra Aaron Copland (conductor) Connotations New York Philharmonic Leonard Bernstein (conductor) Piano Concerto Earl Wild (piano) The Symphony of the Air Three Latin-American Sketches: I. Estrobilio New Philharmonia Orchestra At the River Marilyn Horne (soprano) English Chamber Orchestra Carl Davis (conductor) Producer: Sam Phillips. Donald Macleod explores Copland's more radical works of the 1960s. | |
| 2021 | 01 | South American Journeys, 1940-1941 | 20210503 | Donald Macleod explores how Copland's initial trip to Mexico left a lasting impression on him. This week of programmes explores Aaron Copland's most productive decade, and features some of his best-loved works in full. During this time, Copland hit his prime. He became recognised as America's leading composer, winning the Pulitzer Prize in Music and an Academy Award for his work in Hollywood. He toured Europe and South America, absorbing diverse influences from each, and composed key works including his Third Symphony, Appalachian Spring, Lincoln Portrait, Fanfare for the Common Man and Rodeo. We get a sense of how Copland's personal and professional interests developed over the 1940s and learn about his friendships and challenges during and in the aftermath of World War II. In this episode, Copland is inspired by Mexico, and the cultural riches he discovered there that seemed to him to be so lacking in the US. It spurred him to `awaken the spiritual consciences of the people` in his music. It also encouraged him to travel more widely in South America in 1941, and marked a new stage in his lifelong friendship with the Mexican composer Carlos Chကvez. John Henry: A Railroad Ballet for Orchestra London Symphony Orchestra Aaron Copland, conductor Quiet City Maurice Murphy, trumpet Christine Pendrill, cor anglais Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor Piano Sonata Leon Fleisher, piano Our Town St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Leonard Slatkin, conductor Produced by Iain Chambers for BBC Wales Donald Macleod on how Copland's first trip to Mexico left a lasting impression on him. | |
| 2021 | 02 | Patriotism, 1942 | 20210504 | Donald Macleod explores how Copland's active interest with current affairs shaped his worldview. This week of programmes explores Aaron Copland's most productive decade, and features some of his best-loved works in full. During this time, Copland hit his prime. He became recognised as America's leading composer, winning the Pulitzer Prize in Music and an Academy Award for his work in Hollywood. He toured Europe and South America, absorbing diverse influences from each, and composed key works including his Third Symphony, Appalachian Spring, Lincoln Portrait, Fanfare for the Common Man and Rodeo. We get a sense of how Copland's personal and professional interests developed over the 1940s and learn about his friendships and challenges during and in the aftermath of World War II. In this episode, Donald Macleod looks at Copland's engagement with world events, and how it shaped his friendships and his worldview, from the Americana of Rodeo and the patriotism of Lincoln Portrait to the Hispaniana of Danz n Cubano. Music for Movies I. New England Countryside London Sinfonietta Elgar Howarth, conductor Maya Angelou, narrator Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Louis Langree, conductor Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes New York Philharmonic Orchestra Leonard Bernstein, conductor Danz n Cubano - (version for 2 pianos) Genova and Dimitrov Piano Duo Produced by Iain Chambers for BBC Wales How Copland's engagement with current affairs shaped his worldview. | |
| 2021 | 03 | Personal Affairs, 1942-1944 | 20210505 | Donald Macleod explores Copland's personal life and its impact on his work. This week of programmes explores Aaron Copland's most productive decade, and features some of his best-loved works in full. During this time Copland hit his prime. He became recognised as America's leading composer, winning the Pulitzer Prize in Music and an Academy Award for his work in Hollywood. He toured Europe and South America, absorbing diverse influences from each, and composed key works including his Third Symphony, Appalachian Spring, Lincoln Portrait, Fanfare for the Common Man and Rodeo. We get a sense of how Copland's personal and professional interests developed over the 1940s and learn about his friendships and challenges during and in the aftermath of World War II. In this episode, Donald Macleod examines Copland's artistic and personal relationships, and their impact on his work. Victor Kraft was the most important romantic relationship of his life, but by the early 40s it had begun to unravel, with the composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein embroiled too. Las Agachadas (The Shake-Down Song) United States Army Field Band Soldiers' Chorus Finley R. Hamilton, conductor Sonata for violin and piano Gil Shaham, violin Andr退 Previn, piano Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra Leonard Slatkin, conductor Appalachian Spring Suite (version for 13 instruments) San Francisco Symphony Orchestra Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor Produced by Iain Chambers for BBC Wales Donald Macleod explores Copland's personal relationships and their impact on his work. | |
| 2021 | 04 | Adventures In Hollywood,1943-1948 | 20210506 | Donald Macleod explores Copland's relationship with Hollywood and how writing for film changed his life and work. This week of programmes explores Aaron Copland's most productive decade, and features some of his best-loved works in full. During this time Copland hit his prime. He became recognised as America's leading composer, winning the Pulitzer Prize in Music and an Academy Award for his work in Hollywood. He toured Europe and South America, absorbing diverse influences from each, and composed key works including his Third Symphony, Appalachian Spring, Lincoln Portrait, Fanfare for the Common Man and Rodeo. We get a sense of how Copland's personal and professional interests developed over the 1940s and learn about his friendships and challenges during and in the aftermath of World War II. By 1944 Copland found himself in demand by the film industry. He was the recipient of multiple Academy Award nominations and would go on to win with his music for The Heiress. In this episode, Donald Macleod examines how Copland's Hollywood adventures influenced his circumstances and his music. Letter From Home London Symphony Orchestra Aaron Copland, conductor The Red Pony Suite I. Morning on the Ranch IIIa. Dream March IV. Walk to the Bunkhouse V. Grandfather's Story St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Leonard Slatkin, conductor II. Allegro molto III. Andantino quasi allegretto New York Philharmonic Orchestra Leonard Bernstein, conductor The Heiress Suite Produced by Iain Chambers for BBC Wales By 1944, Copland found himself in demand from the film industry. With Donald Macleod. | |
| 2021 | 05 LAST | Private Matters, 1948-1949 | 20210507 | Copland's music becomes introspective as he ponders the postwar future of America and the world. Presented by Donald Macleod. This week of programmes explores Aaron Copland's most productive decade, and features some of his best-loved works in full. During this time, Copland hit his prime. He became recognised as America's leading composer, winning the Pulitzer Prize in Music and an Academy Award for his work in Hollywood. He toured Europe and South America, absorbing diverse influences from each, and composed key works including his Third Symphony, Appalachian Spring, Lincoln Portrait, Fanfare for the Common Man and Rodeo. We get a sense of how Copland's personal and professional interests developed over the 1940s and learn about his friendships and challenges during and in the aftermath of World War II. In Copland's music of this period, there is a move towards personal statements relating to issues of nature, death, love and self-realisation. In this programme, Donald Macleod contrasts developments in Copland's personal life with wider issues that he was pondering: the spectre of nuclear war, disillusionment with the Soviet Union and the flight to suburbia. Preamble for a Solemn Occasion London Symphony Orchestra Aaron Copland, conductor Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson No. 4 - The World feels dusty No. 5 - Heart, we will forget him No. 12 - The Chariot Lydia Easley, soprano Enrico Maria Polimanti, piano An Outdoor Overture (version for wind ensemble) United States Army Field Band Finley R. Hamilton, conductor Four Piano Blues Leo Smit, piano Clarinet Concerto David Singer, clarinet A Far Cry Orchestra Produced by Iain Chambers for BBC Wales | |
| 2026 | 01 | In The Beginning | 20260105 |  Donald Macleod begins Copland's story in a Brooklyn department store, where a young Aaron balanced family duties with a growing passion for music. From early piano lessons with his sister to secret ambitions and formative encounters with Rubin Goldmark, we follow Copland's journey from toy counters to concert platforms. 4 Dance Episodes from Rodeo: iv. Hoe Down New York Philharmonic Leonard Bernstein, conductor Two Preludes for violin and piano Peter Zazofsky, violin Paul Posnak, piano Four Early Songs: i. Night ii. A Summer Vacation iii. My Heart is in the East iv. Alone Barbara Bonney, soprano Malcolm Martineau, piano Four Motets: iii. Have Mercy On Us, O My Lord Polyphony Stephen Layton, conductor Three Moods: i. Embittered ii. Wistful iii. Jazzy Leo Smit, piano Symphony for Organ and Orchestra: ii. Scherzo iii. Finale: Lento Simon Preston, organ Leonard Slatkin, conductor Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West. Copland's American dream starts in Brooklyn. With Donald Macleod An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod traces Copland's roots and his first steps in music | |
| 2026 | 02 | Aaron In Paris | 20260106 | Donald Macleod charts Copland's transformative years in Paris under Nadia Boulanger's guidance, and his return to America with bold new ideas. From the MacDowell Colony to the premiere of Music for the Theatre and a jazz-infused Piano Concerto, we hear how Copland's modernist voice thrilled some, but terrified others. The Cat and the Mouse Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano Old Poem Pastorale Roberta Alexander, soprano Roger Vignoles, piano Music for the Theater: i. Prologue ii. Dance New York Philharmonic Leonard Bernstein, conductor Aaron Copland, piano Vitebsk (trio for violin, cello and piano) Oberon Trio Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West. Copland meets Nadia Boulanger and faces the critics. With Donald Macleod. An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod explores Copland's Parisian education and bruising reviews. | |
| 2026 | 03 | An American Sound | 20260107 | Donald Macleod explores Copland's determination to create a sound that was unmistakably American. From the stark brilliance of the Piano Variations to the exuberance of El Salón México and his cowboy ballets including Billy the Kid, we hear how Copland blended jazz and folk tunes with a modern twist to capture the spirit of a nation. Hear Ye! Hear Ye! – ballet in one act: Scene i (Prelude) London Sinfonietta Oliver Knussen, conductor Leo Smit, piano Short Symphony (Symphony No. 2): i. Incisivo ii. Espressivo iii. Presto e ritmico Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra Leonard Slatkin, conductor New York Philharmonic Leonard Bernstein, conductor Billy the Kid Suite: i. Introduction: The Open Prairie ii. Street in a Frontier Town iii. Mexican Dance and Finale Copland forges a bold new American voice. With Donald Macleod An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod follows Copland's quest for a music that speaks of America | |
| 2026 | 04 | Friends And Foes | 20260108 | 20260109 (R3) | Donald Macleod looks at Copland's friendships with Leonard Bernstein and Serge Koussevitsky, his work with Martha Graham, and the creation of Appalachian Spring. We also uncover the darker chapter of McCarthy-era suspicion, when Copland's patriotism was questioned and his music became a lightning rod for political debate. Letter from Home BBC Philharmonic John Wilson, conductor Appalachian Spring Suite: v. Solo Dance vi. Meno mosso vii. Variation on a Shaker Hymn Los Angeles Philharmonic Zubin Mehta, conductor Clarinet Concerto Richard Stoltzman, clarinet London Symphony Orchestra Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor Lincoln Portrait James Earl Jones, narrator Seattle Symphony Gerard Schwarz, conductor Fanfare for the Common Man Aaron Copland, conductor Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West. Copland makes allies and enemies. With Donald Macleod. An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod examines Copland's closest collaborations - and his political controversies. |
| 2026 | 05 | Maestro | 20260109 | 20260112 (R3) | Donald Macleod closes Copland's story with a portrait of his later years – a period of transition from composing to conducting and reflecting on a lifetime in music. As new ideas became harder to come by, Copland embraced the podium, championing his own works and those of his successors. His later career reveals a composer turning outward and a biographer looking inwards, balancing public recognition with a quiet, more contemplative life. Two Pieces for String Quartet: No. 2. Allegro Moderato RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet Piano Quartet: iii. Non troppo lento The Julliard Quartet Aaron Copland, piano Music for a Great City: i. Skyline London Symphony Orchestra Aaron Copland, conductor Inscape New York Philharmonic Leonard Bernstein, conductor Symphony No. 3: iv. Molto deliberato Philharmonia Orchestra Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West. From composing to baton-wielding and beyond. With Donald Macleod. An informative guide to composers' lives and their music. Donald Macleod traces Copland's later years as conductor and chronicler. |